Vapor electric device.



R. P JACKSON.

VAPOR ELECTRIC DEVICE. 5 APPLICATION FILED NOV. 16, 19H.

1,159,94Q. Patented Nov. 9, 1915 INVENTOI? AT 1 m,

RAY P. JACKSON, OF EDGEWOOD PARK, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR T0 WESTING- HOUSE ELECTRIC AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF PENN- SYLVANIA.

VAPOR ELECTRIC DEVICE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented N ov. 9, 1915.

employed in the rectification of alternating current.

The object of my invention is to provide a vapor rectifier orother device having shields for its anodes that effectively screen the same from the rain or stream of mercury that emanates from the mercury cathode, thereby substantially preventing the occurrence of short circuits. 'The screen of the present invention is also so constructed as to permit of prompt and ready starting of the rectifying operation and to insure continuous stable operation thereof. Furthermore,

the present rectifier is adapted for use over a very wide range of voltages; that is, in connection with widely varying numbers of receiving devices of the rectified current.

In the single figureof the accompanying drawing, which is a side view of a rectifier embodying my invention, the rectifier is shown as provided with two anodes 1 and 2 that project into the casing 3 and are surrounded and' inclosed therein by shields 4 having lateral apertures at 5 opening toward each other. Within the shields 4, and united thereto a suitable distance above the apertures 5, are auxiliary shields 6 of tapering or frusto-conical form, the lower ends of which open prefefibly somewhat below the apertures 5, though the said auxiliary shields may extend downwardly to varying distances without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The above-described shield for the anodes is of such character as to provide indirect or devious paths between the mercury cathode and the anodes, so that it is substantlally impossible for mercury particles emanating from the cathode to strike the anodes and cause short circuits,,while, at the same time, the path is not of such length or so restricted as to interfere with ready starting of the rectifying operation or to cause the rectify- 1ng operation to be unstable when once started. Moreover, it has been found that rectifiers constructed in accordance with the present invention may be employed over a wider voltage range than others previously constructed, that is, the number of lamps or other receivers of direct current that may be employed in connection with the rectifiers may be varied considerably.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a vapor electric device, the combination with an anode, of a'main shield inclosmg the same and having a lateral opening, and a tapered auxiliary shield within the main shield and united thereto at one side of the lateral opening therein, the said auxiliary shield extending across the lateral opening in the main shield and being open at its free end.

2. In a vapor electric device, the combination with an anode, of a main shield inclosing the same and having a lateral opening, and a tapered tubular auxiliary shield having open ends within the main shield and extending across the lateral opening therein, the said auxiliary shield being united to the main shield at one side of the lateral opening therein.

3. In a vapor electric device, the combination with an anode, of a main shielding mem ber inclosing the same and having a lateral opening therein, and a diaphragm member within the shielding member between the anode and said lateral opening and having an opening in line with the longitudinal axis of the anode, whereby the arc impinges symmetrically upon the end of the anode.

4. In a vapor electric device, the combination with an anode sealed therein, of a main shield inclosing the same and having anlateral opening therein, and a diaphragm'member Within the shield between the anode and subscribed my name this 14th day of Novemthe said lateral opening and having an openher, 1911.

ing in line with the longitudinal axis of the I v V anode at the end farthest removed from the JACKSON 5 seal, whereby the arc impinges symmetri- Witnesses:

cally upon said end of the anode. AINA G. CoRRAo,

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto B. B. HINES. 

